| Karen Valentine | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Karen Lynne Valentine |
| Born: | May 25, 1947 |
| Occupation: | actress |
| Years active: | 1964-present |
| Known for: | playing Alice Johnson in the television series Room 222 |
Karen Valentine (born May 25, 1947) is an American actress best known for her role as the idealistic schoolteacher Alice Johnson in the television series Room 222.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Valentine grew up in Northern California and won a spot representing California at the Miss Teenage America pageant where she was awarded the Talent Award. Valentine was Miss Sonoma County and Top 10 at Miss California state finals to Miss America. When Ed Sullivan saw her act (where she would comically dance in a flamboyant costume while lip-synching to Eydie Gorme's "Blame it on the Bossa Nova") he was quoted as saying "I want that girl on my show".
Career[]
In 1969, Valentine won her role as a new teacher on the ABC television series Room 222 with Lloyd Haynes and Michael Constantine. Valentine was discovered by Gene Rrynolds *the director of Room 222) who saw her lip-synching in rehersal sna saw that shewas funny. Valentin was nominated twice for an Emmy and once a Golden Globe winning an Emmy in 1970 for Oustanding Actress in a Supporting Role.
The actress later starred in her own television series Karen in 1975. Valentine played the title role in the critically acclaimed true story of Muggable Mary, Street Cop and was "Gidget" in the film Gidget Grows Up as well as many other movies for television. Valentine was a regualar on Hollywood Squares, often trading quips with Paul Lynde. Valentine guest-starred on many series including: Starsky & Hutch, Baretta, McMillian & Wife, Cybill and Murder, She Wrote and multiple episodes of The Love Boat and Love, American Style.
Valentine's featured films include: The North Avenue Irregulars, Hot Lead and Cold Feet and The Power Within.
Valentine continues to work in television and on stage. Valentine co-starred with John Larroquette in a 2004 Hallmark Channel TV movie, Wedding Daze. Valentine has starred on stage in many productions including: Romantic Comedy on Bradoway and National Tour, Breaking Legs Off-Broadway and National Tour and the Los Angeles productions of Steel Magnolias.
Personal Life[]
Valentine has been married twice. Her first marriage was in 1969 to Carl MacLaughlin; they divorced in 1973. However, since 1977 she has been married to musician and Emmy Award-winning songwriter Gary Verna.
Valentine has no children.
Shows appeared[]
Hollywood Squares (1970-1977 & 1999)
Stump the Stars (1970)
It Takes Two (1970)
All-Star Baffle (1973-1974)
GSN Live (2009)